American Woman Extradited From Belize to Face Mass Animal Cruelty Charges

An American woman was extradited from Belize last week and returned to Pennsylvania to face what authorities describe as the largest farm animal cruelty case in county history.

Abigail Tuttle O’Keeffe, 54, was preliminarily arraigned early Saturday on 149 counts that include aggravated cruelty to animals resulting in serious injury or death and neglect of animals. Federal officials said O’Keeffe was arrested in Belize in April on an unrelated firearms-possession charge, an arrest that ultimately led to her extradition late last week.

The case stems from an investigation that began in August 2024 after workers and volunteers raised concerns about conditions at Narrow Way Farm. Investigators allege dozens of animals, including chickens, steer, pigs, goats and sheep, suffered from malnutrition, heavy parasitic loads and lack of veterinary care. Several animals died, and responders discovered what was described as a makeshift composting area containing decaying animal carcasses.

More than 100 animals were removed from the property. Some required extensive veterinary treatment or were humanely euthanised; others were rehabilitated and rehomed, authorities said.

Court records indicate O’Keeffe left for Belize on July 20, 2024, before charges were filed and before law enforcement began investigating conditions at the farm. After media reports about the situation surfaced, a humane society in Belize issued warnings to local residents about O’Keeffe.

Once in custody in Pennsylvania, O’Keeffe was held at the Bucks County Correctional Facility on 10 per cent of a $500,000 bail.